The most common cause of fuel pump failure is frequently running the tank low on fuel, which causes the motor to overheat. The second most common cause is fuel contamination, usually dirt and rust particles that clog the fuel strainer and prevent the pump from drawing enough fuel under high engine load.
If you're constantly running close to empty, the fuel pump has to withstand more heat, shortening its lifespan. Low fuel levels also require the pump to work harder to move fuel. Perform regular fuel system maintenance. Make sure your fuel system and fuel filters are regularly inspected and replaced when necessary.
The most common reason a pump fails is wear on the pump from improper lubrication or over-use. The best way to explain a failed fuel pump due to wear and tear is to explain what other reasons may have lead to a failed pump: Most fuel pumps are lubricated by the fuel in the tank itself.
Fuel Pump. Finally, your fuel pump can get clogged by gas sediment, dirt, and rust. The fuel pump is susceptible to clogs because it draws the gas out of the tank.
The average fuel pump lasts for more than 100,000 miles and sometimes longer, so more than likely, you won't have to worry about it failing for quite a while. But the more miles your car accumulates, the more liable you are to run into a failed fuel pump.
Fuel pump failures tend to be sudden and unpredictable, with few symptoms to warn the motorist that trouble is brewing. And the higher the mileage on the vehicle, the greater the risk of a fuel pump failure.
To confirm that your pump has failed, check the pressure in your fuel lines with a fuel pressure gauge; if it reads zero, then your pump is likely dead. You can also check your car's fuse box; a blown fuel pump fuse is another reliable symptom of a failed pump.
One of the clearest indications that your vehicle's fuel pump isn't working as it should is engine jolts and stutters while you drive at a steady speed. This stuttering occurs when the pump struggles to provide an adequate amount of fuel to your engine, causing the engine to have difficulty maintaining a certain speed.
If your car's fuel pump has gone bad—but hasn't completely stopped working—you should still be able to start it by applying manual pressure, attaching a fuel pressure gauge, or making sure the engine receives consistent heat.
Bad Fuel Pump, Fuel Pressure Sensor Can Trigger 'Check Engine' Light, P0087 Code. Your car's “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light can flash on for more than 1,400 different reasons.
Can a fuel pump go out without warning? Absolutely! A car fuel pump will fail without warning more often than you may think. All things related to a car fuel pumps like the injectors, the pressure regulator, and the car fuel pump itself are the part that are most replaced with the fuel system.
Bearings, couplings and seals are the most common pump components to fail. Experience has shown that overlooking these items will not only cost in maintenance dollars but also in resources and downtime that will increase operating costs.
A bad fuel pump may overheat and inadequately deliver gas to the engine, causing it to run hot and turn off while on the road. In this scenario, your vehicle may start back up after overheating and shutting down, only to do the same thing a half-hour later. This scenario is a common sign of a bad fuel pump.
If your vehicle has an electric fuel pump, you can use a fuel system cleaner to clear any sediment buildup or blockage. If you have a manual one (usually found in older model vehicles), you can actually open the pump to clear debris out of its internal filter, though that isn't an option in most modern vehicles.
You have the classic symptoms of a failing fuel pump. It usually dies intermittently, usually on the highway on long trips, after it's been working hard at high pressure and heating up.
Once the vehicle determines the systems are safe, then the vehicle allows you to restart. The fuel pump shut-off switch is located behind an access panel on the right side of the luggage compartment. The fuel pump shut-off switch has a red reset button on top of it.